Folklore or Folk & Traditional Art Form of Western Odisha
Summary
Ganda Baja is a group of Rhythm like Dhol, Muhuri, Lisan, Tasa/Timkidi and Jhanj/Jhumka/Kastaal play by the Ganda or lower caste people of the Society. The Ganda Baja is attach with the feelings and life of Ganda people. Simply we can refer that Ganda baja or Ganda Baja Musical Orchestra is by the Ganda, of the Ganda and or the Ganda People. “Ganda Baja” has its own identity in culture in the material civilized Socio-Cultural Society.
Folk Music or Traditional Music is the real and raw form of Music which directly come from the heart and touches to the heart. Western Odisha is very rich in Culture, Tradition and Sculpture. It has her own unique identity in Song, Dance and Rhythm. Every corner or region of wesrern Odisha filled with Art and Cultural activity. Popular styles of the folk music of western Odisha are Dalkhai, Rasarkeli, Maelajada, Sajani, Dhaap, Nachania, Bajania, Chutkuchuta, Maleshree, Chhilollai, Humobauli, Gho gho rani, Duligeet, Bayamana, Karma, Jhumer, Halia Geet etc. Out of these, Dalkhai, Rasarkeli, Maelajada, Chutkuchuta,Bajania, Nachania and Jaiphula are the styles meant for dance. Maleshree is used for devotional purpose. Chilollai is a style that girl children use to sing during their playing a game called chhilolai (the game involves aerobics). Humobauli or Humo geet is sung by young girls in two groups. Gho Gho Rani is a style that is also used during a game where an participant wants to break the hand shackle and her/his friends or competitor not allow to go. Duligeet is the style sung by young girls during a ride in the swing. Sajani Geet is song by young girl who shares her feeling of love, sorrow etc to her friends. The hard truths of social life are narrated in Bayamana. Jhumer is usually played to the rhythm of the musical instrument ‘Mandal’ and this style is used to narrate the beauty of nature. Jhumer is also played during Karma naach in fornt of Goddess Karamsani. Nachnia style is recommended for the songs to dance during marriage occasions. This is played by both men and women.